Chapter Twelve
Lord Trentham told her everything he knew, but details were still scant. "He is accused of murdering a Mr. Donald Fairfax, a solicitor I understand, but I'm afraid I was unable to ascertain anything else about him. I will make some further enquiries, but I thought it best to bring you the news at once."
Elizabeth wrung her hands together. The news was shocking. "I must inform Mr. Darcy," she said.
"I have already sent word to inform him of the news. I also assured him that if I can be of service until he returns then I will be. Mrs. Darcy, you must feel free to call upon me at any time."
"Thank you, sir." She was grateful for Lord Trentham's kindness in Mr. Darcy's absence, but she sorely wished he had not travelled north. Wickham was a scoundrel, but a murderer? She did not believe it. She could not believe it. It was too horrifying. She had to tell Lydia.
Elizabeth got to her feet. "Lord Trentham, I am so grateful you brought this to us."
The normally harsh features were softened with concern. "I will make enquiries and I shall call tomorrow evening if that is convenient," said Lord Trentham.
"Thank you. Indeed, it is."
Elizabeth, summoned a servant to show Lord Trentham out. She did not immediately return to the garden room, but spent some time pacing around the library trying to come to terms with what she had been told.
It seemed once again there was a scandal involving Wickham which could bring irreparable damage not just to Lydia, but all the family. Last time they had been able to cover up the scandal and their places in society had been undamaged, but not this time.
A sudden thought struck Elizabeth. How could Mr. Darcy become a member of Parliament if he was mired in the scandal of a murder, however distant his relationship to the accused. She must consult with Uncle Gardiner at once.
Wickham accused of murder.
Poor, poor Lydia.
Elizabeth did not want to speak of such matters in front of Miss Bingley, so she asked a footman to bring Lydia to her.
"What is it, Lizzy?" asked Lydia as she marched into the room. "I was just discussing my bonnet and where I could get some ribbons to pretty it up."
Elizabeth's voice shook slightly. "Lydia. Do sit down. I have news for you."
"What is it?" asked Lydia. "Oh, please tell me you have heard from Wickham. Have you heard from him, Lizzy? Is he coming here?"
"No, he's not," said Elizabeth, sitting down beside her. "Lydia, I'm afraid I have some rather bad news."
Lydia stared at her expectantly, showing no signs of concern. She did not have the imagination to think of things that might destroy her happiness. "So, what is it? Lordy, don't be so annoying, Lizzy. Whatever it is, just tell me."
"I have had word of Mr. Wickham."
"I thought you said you hadn't heard from him," said Lydia looking puzzled.
"I haven't but I have had word of him from a friend of mine."
Lydia broke into smiles. "Oh Lizzy, is he in London? Do say he is. You have no idea how much I miss him."
Elizabeth shook her head. "Yes he is. But Lydia, I'm sorry, he has been arrested."
Lydia paused for a moment. "Arre…" she closed her mouth and then tried again. "Arrested, Lizzy? Is this some sort of joke?"
"No, it isn't. Lydia," said Elizabeth. "He is currently in prison."
"No… that cannot be right. Lizzy, are you sure? Arrested." Lydia got to her feet and started to pace the room.
"There must be some sort of mistake. Arrested for what?"
Elizabeth hesitated. She wasn't certain whether she should tell Lydia.
"Come and sit down and I will tell you what I know," said Elizabeth quietly.
Lydia shook her head. "No, I want to know. What is it?"
"I'm sorry, Lydia. Mr. Wickham is accused of murder."
Lydia stared at her, a look of horror on her face and then she threw up her arms, emitted a chilling scream and then fell in a dead faint to the floor.
Elizabeth was bent down, trying to attend to her, when Mrs. Marsh and Jane came hurrying into the room.
"Lizzy, what has happened?" asked Jane, bending down beside her and stroking Lydia's pale face.
"Shall I send for Dr. Hayes?" asked Mrs. Marsh.
"Yes do," said Elizabeth grateful for the housekeeper's calm demeanour.
Mrs. Marsh quickly left the room.
"What happened?"
"Mr. Wickham. He's been arrested for murder."
Jane looked horrified. "No Lizzy, it cannot be true. Not Mr. Wickham."
"I'm afraid it is true."
"Oh dear. Mr. Darcy always said he was a scoundrel," said Miss Bingley from the doorway. "You know Jane, I think we should leave. Drama seems to follow your sister."
The sisters looked at each other as they bent over the still unconscious Lydia. Right at that moment they were both wishing that Miss Bingley would take her leave.
By the time Dr. Hayes, the family's London doctor, arrived an hour later Miss Bingley had been summarily dispatched home by Elizabeth, and Lydia had been carried upstairs to one of the guest rooms and was lying on the bed. Leaving the doctor to examine Lydia with Polly in attendance, Elizabeth went to consult Jane who was anxiously hovering outside. "She must stay here, at least for tonight," said Elizabeth, leading Jane into her room where they could speak alone.
"Lizzy, I am concerned about Lydia, but there is more pressing business. If this gets out it will be a scandal."
"Jane, I don't think we can stop that. Not this time."
"But murder…"
Elizabeth caught her sister's hands in hers as Jane looked as if she was about to burst into tears.
"Jane, we must stay strong. There is nothing we can do. Not immediately. I will send word to Mr. Gardiner and he will tell us how to proceed."
"Perhaps it will not be in the papers," said Jane hopefully. "It is not as if Mr. Wickham is a person of note and sadly I am sure it is not the only murder."
"I agree, Jane. Mr. Wickham is not worthy of particular interest, but as yet we know nothing of the person who is deceased. Lord Trentham is going to find out what he can. Until we find out more, we must not talk about this."
"I will say nothing," said Jane, "but, Miss Bingley…"
Elizabeth grimaced. She could only hope that Miss Bingley would remain discreet, but she knew the older woman disliked her and Lydia even more. She suspected that Caroline Bingley would soon be dropping hints about the murder to anyone she knew. "Let us hope her affection for you will keep her silent," said Elizabeth grimly.
Dr. Hayes pronounced that Lydia was in reasonably good health if a little pale and undernourished. He said she needed rest and some good food. "I shall return tomorrow, Mrs. Darcy. Do not let her get up until I call again."
"Thank you, doctor."
Lydia was propped up in bed, when Elizabeth and Jane returned to the guest room. She was pale, but looking as pretty as ever. She gave Elizabeth a faint smile. "Is it true, Lizzy?"
Elizabeth sat down as Polly closed the door behind her. "Yes, Lydia. I'm afraid it is."
"It must be a mistake," said Lydia. "My darling Wickham would never murder anyone."
Elizabeth was unsure what to say. "Lydia, did you know he was in London?"
"Wickham has a great deal of business which he does not discuss with me," said Lydia, half closing her eyes. "As a married woman, I have duties which keep me very busy. Business is so tiresome."
Elizabeth was not surprised by Lydia's words. Lydia had never been interested in anything that did not directly affect herself. She and Mr. Wickham deserved each other.
"Lizzy – do you think Mr. Wickham will have to appear in court?"
"I should think so," said Elizabeth, though she wasn't entirely sure. "We will have to wait and see what Lord Trentham says."
"Who is Lord Trentham?" asked Lydia.
"He is a friend of mine who came to tell me about Mr. Wickham. He's a magistrate and understands such things."
Lydia nodded. "I must go to the court."
"Lydia, we don't know if he will appear in court yet and if he does, I'm not sure that it will be suitable for you to attend," said Jane.
Lydia's eyes snapped open. "Naturally I will be there," she said crossly. "Who else would be there to support my dear Wickham. I am his wife and I will be there."
"Perhaps when we have more news, we can talk about it again," said Jane who was ever the peacemaker.
Lydia ignored her. "Well I have been thinking about it, Lizzy. I will need a new dress and a new bonnet. I wonder whether you could give me some money. I don't think I have quite enough for such an expense."
Elizabeth could not follow her sister's thoughts. "Why would you need new clothing, Lydia?"
Lydia pulled herself more upright, suddenly looking a little brighter. "Oh Lizzy - think about it. I must not disgrace Wickham in any way. Think of all those people watching him in court. I must look my best. I can see it, Lizzy. Everyone will be talking about it."
Elizabeth looked at Lydia despairingly. Really it was difficult to think that they had all been educated in the same household. Unfortunately, Lydia was too similar in nature to Mrs. Bennet. The two of them had always been of the same mind with their main priority in life to enjoy themselves. Elizabeth loved her father but she could see his lack of interest in his younger daughters had left them poorly equipped to manage any difficulties in life.